Cramer Fish Sciences (CFS) is seeking talented SEASONAL BIOLOGICAL TECHNICIANS to join our team. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fisheries research and contribute to meaningful conservation projects. If you have a background in biology/ecology/natural resources and a passion for fish conservation, we encourage you to apply!

DETAILS:

• Focus & Location: Skagit River in Newhalem, WA
• Project: This position provides field support by assisting Lead Biologists in conducting stream habitat surveys and mapping, data collection and management, and habitat restoration on the Skagit River and possibly in additional locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. Field technicians will be supervised by the Fish Ecology Lab in Issaquah, WA.
• Approximate Employment Dates: Early March through late April 2025, with the possibility of extension through August 2025.
• Pay Rate: $23-$25/hour depending on experience.
• Benefits: Paid sick leave with accruals starting on first day of employment and voluntary 401(k) eligibility for company plan

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Work daily with one to three crew members to conduct juvenile salmonid stranding surveys and complete electrofishing surveys of shallow shoreline habitats.
• Engage in routine communication with supervisors and team members to ensure project requirements are met and operational needs are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Utilize safe handling techniques to ensure fish health during electrofishing activities and biological data collection.
• Perform hands-on fieldwork, including river surveys, snorkel surveys, and electrofishing surveys, to estimate juvenile salmon abundance and collect physical environmental data (e.g., water quality, channel bathymetry, substrate).
• Learn to operate and carry a Smith-Root backpack electrofisher, ensuring fish are handled safely, species are identified correctly, and fish health is maintained during electrofishing activities.
• Conduct habitat assessments, including mapping stream channels using survey equipment (e.g., Total Station, RTK GPS, laser rangefinder), and measuring and quantifying fish habitat, channel unit classification, large woody debris, substrate size, discharge, and water quality parameters using multiple protocols.
• Organize field logistics, including preparing and maintaining equipment and supplies needed for field work
• Collect field data with precision, ensure proper data offloads, and conduct quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of collected data

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate coursework in Fisheries Science, Limnology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information effectively to both team members and external stakeholders
• Positive, proactive approach to challenges, with a demonstrated ability to adapt to changing conditions, priorities, and unexpected obstacles in the field
• Commitment to safety and compliance with fieldwork standards and organizational policies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365
• A valid driver's license with acceptable driving record

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• General knowledge of Pacific Northwest fish biology, aquatic or plant ecology, fish habitat requirements, fluvial geomorphology and hydrology.
• Experience conducting stream habitat surveys (USFS, CHaMP, or similar).
• Experience in snorkel surveys, beach seining, and/or electrofishing techniques.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work 8+ hour days in diverse outdoor conditions, such as forests, rivers, streams, and lakes, often in remote locations. This includes working in inclement weather conditions at times.
• Ability to climb, jump, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl over uneven surfaces, rocky surfaces, logs, and other natural obstacles.
• Ability to effectively and safely drive in inclement weather, including hot, cold, rainy, foggy, or smoky conditions.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs. and performing fieldwork in uneven terrain or cold water
• Ability to be flexible with work hours, including weekends and evenings, and travel to remote areas for 2-10 days at a time.
• Ability to perform long periods of computerized data management in an office environment.

ABOUT CRAMER FISH SCIENCES: The mission of Cramer Fish Sciences is to provide quality, expert science which supports wise policy decisions and advances the field of natural resource management. We help clients in the Pacific Northwest and California find innovative and practical solutions to challenges with fisheries, riparian, and aquatic ecology.

Cramer Fish Sciences is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We are dedicated to diversifying our profession and fostering a culture that celebrates and embraces diversity in all its forms as part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion and equity.